The Perfect Match - A short story

All the 40 + something were scurrying around busier than top notch business executives, making those nth hour decisions as to the exact number of necklaces to adorn themselves with. All the diamond ‘mookuthies’ and earrings were carefully retrieved from the bank locker. Each ‘mami’ was eying the other carefully, making a quick mental math of the number of kilos of gold the other was wearing (weighing).
She was looking radiant in her ‘Koorai Pattu’, a temple goddess with the sparkling gold. Today, of course was Amma’s day really. She and not her soon to be wed daughter was the centre of attraction. She went back some thirty years when she was her daughter and how she looked exactly as her daughter did today. Ah!, she sighed with relief at how nothing had changed, education no education. Her all too intelligent, IIT Madras daughter with that much coveted MS from Amrica, was soon going to complete her doctoral programme too. She suddenly could not remember what was it that her daughter was doing a research in, not that it really mattered now, today more so. She just shrugged off her shoulders and came back to her blissful state of existence. She reached out for the invitation card, to see if the BTech IIT Madras, MS, Phd was spelt out correctly in bold and italics below Aarthi’s name. She smiled to herself, the satisfied smile of a lifetime at her daughter’s husband (to-be)’s qualifications which only too suited her daughter’s. She was happy, even faint traces of pride could be detected, a sort of self congratulatory smugness at how she had managed to get such a wonderful ‘mappillai’ for Aarthi.
All the running around, all the ‘jadagam’ exchanges, background check, recheck had really not been in vain. She had to sift through long lists of available ‘suitable candidates’, to shortlist the best and send across their 4 page long CV to her all too busy daughter. The system was well in place, and the marriages that used to take place in heaven were soon outsourced to terra firma, aided by the wide spread Internet Revolution. She was suddenly proud of her browsing skills which she felt was the sole reason that aided her in checking out so many eligible bachelors for her all too eligible 28 year old beauty. She adjusted her ‘thalapu’ ******, smiled at her still quite attractive reflection and hurried past singing ‘Kurai Ondrum Illai’, shaking her head vigorously. Quite apt, after all she had no regrets.

~ ~ ~ ~

A beautiful face, only 30 years younger smiled back from the mirror. This was her day, the one day that everyone from Amma, Appa, Chittappa, Chitti looked forward to right from her final year at IIT. That was almost six years back! So much had happened these few years that she soon lost all track of time. First her admit to the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana Champagne, which was her passport to the dollar land. For a modest Tam Bram family this meant all their dreams were going to come true. But of course sending a girl, unmarried to Amrica was quite something to digest. Aarthi, stubborn as usual had her way. She was Appa’s favorite daughter, and what is 2 years time after all. Those two years came and went by and Aarthi managed to shock the family yet again with her plans to do a PHD. The ‘family’ once again got together and much as there were quite a few of those dissenting voices screaming, ‘This is it! She is never going to be listen to any of us after this’, amma and appa decided to let her study. After all she was their daughter and would never let them down. Yippie! Aarthi was supposed to go crazy with happiness that her parents had granted her permission to lead few years of ‘her’ life the way she wanted to. She surely was the ‘kuduthu vechava’. This was the culmination of all their hopes and prayers and they were really happy today and could look back on all those years with so much happiness. Not only did they have one PHD holder in the family but 2, in fact 3 if they manage to ensnare Ranga’s younger brother for their yet another eligible daughter. This sort of resembled the all too famous marketing gimmick, ‘Buy one get one free’. She too had donned the ‘Koorai Madisaru’ today exposing just the right amount of those well shaped legs. Umm..she sighed, as she took out the snaps from the drawer and stole one last glance at those lovely photos exposing her legs in that faraway country. There were several photos, some alone still others cuddled next to him, taken with the camera in auto click mode. In all those years this was the one thing they had perfected. She remembered that particular day and those snaps all too well. The dinner at ‘his’ apartment, the snaps taken on ‘his’ bed! That was almost 2 years back or was it close to 3. Oh, how time flies! What would he be doing now, she wondered. He must be at his apartment, the same dinner, the same wine, only it wasn’t her but HER.

~ ~ ~ ~

Ranga was standing tall and seemingly happy, adjusting his ‘poonal’ and trying to remember Gayathri, the mantra not the girl. It had been so long since he had done the ‘sandhi’ or told the ‘abhivadhaye’ and was glad that his New York friends were not able to make it to the wedding. He would be quite a sight in his gleaming ‘veshti’ and bare chest with just a single thread running criss cross. He was at least handsome, unlike the bevy of semi naked, topless uncles, exposing with extreme pleasure their well rounded bellies and possibly vests. They could easily pit any stripper to shame at how easily they could strip the little they donned. Umm! But of course, he should be delighted, how many people manage to get ‘educated well-qualified’ brides through the ‘arranged system’. Anything from 12th pass out to a graduate in some obscure college seemed qualified enough in the arranged system, so maybe in that sense his wife (to-be) was over-qualified. Qualified or not she might at least be intelligent enough to pick up a book (quoting from her CV which read Loves reading books in the hobbies column), when he drifted into anything that caught his attention. Right now of course what seemed to distract him was the piece of white paper, folded twice over. He took it and read it for the hundredth time possible though he promised himself that it shall be the last time. He needn’t even have opened it to know what was there in it. He could have rattled it off, putting any school boys standing on the podium muttering the by-hearted poem for the recitation competition, to shame. But when he had held the letter for the first time, long ago, the words he knew so well now, just swam before his eyes.

Ranga,
I hate to be doing this to you but I found this man I have begun to love. In the beginning it was just plain platonic friendship but soon we started falling head over heels in love. So here I am moving out of your apartment, and your life for good. I have left the keys with the security guy.

Love,
R.

p.s:- Don’t sweeten your coffee too much, not good for health.

He remembered how it was just like her, to be so terse, point blank and practical. As he snapped back to the present, he wondered what she must be doing now. She must be having the same dinner, the same wine, only it wasn’t his apartment but HIS.

~ ~ ~ ~


Footnotes:-

Mookuthies – Nose rings. They come in all shapes and sizes from the 6 studded diamond to a single diamond stone

Mami – The tamil version of an aunt, actually any Tam Bram woman facing the mid life crisis

Koorai Pattu –The maroon colored saree adorned on such special occasions as a wedding.

Mappillai – The tamil version of a son – in – law, less the son more the lawful.

Jadagam – The horro(r)scope which spells your future the day u were born. This is to plan as is the nature of a Tam Bram for any possible eventuality. (This is pseudo Project management).

Thalapu – That part of the saree that falls gracefully on the above mentioned mami’s shoulders

Kurai Ondrum Illai- A carnatic song popularized by the all too famous MS, literally translation meaning ‘I have no regrets’

kuduthu vechava- The truly gifted, an oft cited remark which would be lashed out at any woman who manages to get a well educated qualified, possibly rich husband.
Koorai Madisaru – The sort of saree worn by the ‘sneering at Amrican girls exposing legs mamis’ on such special occasions as weddings, when care is taken to expose just the right amount of those fair legs, which distracts the men folk enough to notice, but falls well within the Brahmin code of conducts.

Poonal – A thread running criss cross across a Brahmin boy’s chest, which should of course be promptly removed when he indulges in ‘illegal’ activities

Sandhi – an evening ritual which any Bram boy from a good family and background should religiously do every evening.

Abhivadhaye – Rattling off of some mantras taking care to hold the hands close to the ears and standing half bent. A form of exercise the men folk indulge in I suppose.

Veshti – a transparent while cloth worn by the men folk around their waists, transparent enough to expose their hairy legs and sometimes possibly their vests.

Arranged System – A well defined system with all its processes in place where you arrange to conveniently fall in love after the Marriage.

Four little guinea pigs

It was a time, so long ago when there were a bunch of four little guinea pigs. One so small, the other very tall, the Third so pretty and the last so cute. They came from all over the country and met in a beautiful place called Paradise. They decided to call the P place home away from home. Here they lived with each other day in and day out, sleeping with each other, wa(l)king with each other. They sometimes lived in a sty and at other times it was transformed into a beautiful, tastefully done housie.
She was the dancing queen and she was the "B"ombshell, while she was "louve"d by one and all "but" she seemed to exude the 'Y' factor. They were so alike to love each other dearly and yet so different to sustain the interest. With each passing day, they were thrown in together in their very own paradise, a paradise that they had created. Familiarity breeds contempt or does it? They looked at derision at other birds "flock"ing together and knew how they were meant to stay, to be. They were fast growing up, learning, teaching each other the little things in life. They brought their noses close together in moments of ecstasy or when dark clouds seemed to loom large. They were oft seen running around in the wilderness where "sky" was the limit to fun. They were having the time of their lives and with each passing day they were growing closer to moving on, each with its life, and so many memories to cherish. Then came the day, a day when they each blossomed and though they were happy about this, they knew they would have to leave this place called paradise where they had done most of their growing up. They held each other one last time and sang

Four whole years,
And we knew know fears,
Today as we stand,
Together hand in hand,
We think of those sweet moments shared,
When each cared and cared,
But each of us carry memories,
That shall make grandma stories
Forever and ever and ever and ever

The Act

I did it! After so much thinking and rethinking, the numerous to-do or not-to-dos, I decided that yes, I shall go ahead, go all the way! Ahem, 25 year old, still singing the ever so single ready to mingle lines. Viewed in that context, umm, i can imagine raised eyebrows, shocked silence, maybe even a bit of that seething rage. A simple context shift, and if what I am talking about is as simple as the "act" of blogging (finally!), huge sighs of relief, waves of happiness and maybe a faint trace of irritation at hyping something so trivial. I can even hear those voices saying "So very like u" to go overboard and do all this melodrama!

Chronicles of a twenty year old -- A short story

It was love at first sight! And little did I know or realize that August morning that it was going to be the beginning of a lifelong romance. I was skeptical in the beginning casting it aside as just an infatuation. But the years ahead have stood testimony to all that I feel and feel so strongly and I know, know for sure, now that I am away from thee that true strong love is putting it too lightly!
I have personified it so and given it such a lifelike image that sometimes, even I forget that in common parlance it would be called a “Bike” and for those of you lesser mortals, a cycle. Ah! It was standing tall and clean gleaming and basking in the sunlight, and it was the first time I got physical….with my dad. I showered him with kisses, putting all my man’s pride and ego aside and was too embarrassed after the “act” that I just ran out of the house and got onto my bike, my baby, and just fled. It ran like the wind and that is the understatement of the year. The adrenalin rush that I got the moment I got onto the cycle was ineffable.
No alarm clocks were necessary to get me out of bed, get on to my baby and cycle down the roads to college. Wind hitting me, breath taking scenery, the flowers glowing at me, so much at bliss. But my baby was never so fast that I could miss any beauty around. And so it was that she never missed my eyes that wintry morning, when the bike had become all of 3 months old. There was something, something that I cannot put aside so lightly as beauty that made me turn and look. I could have gone on looking only the irritated man behind me, honked and honked so loud that it put me off guard momentarily. I continued cycling and entered college and at once regretted it. I wanted to go back, see that beauty, that dark hair, those long legs, those deep eyes. The class suddenly began to wear a very claustrophobic effect, and all I wanted was a smoke. I needed it now, right now. But what I got was the cold stare of the Professor. I had been dreaming away when all my friends were introducing themselves to the Sweety ( that is what I had decided to name her). Oh yes the beauty, angel call her what you may, was here, before my very eyes, my new found classmate and I just felt like jumping then and there. Madhu barely managed to pass my lips and I had already transported back to the magic land with my sweety, going for long rides with her sitting in the bar in front of me. That instant our eyes met and I knew, knew it for a fact that we were meant to be together.
Swathi was soon the centre of attraction, to my tough luck, the other bastards in the class had noticed her too and the fact that I was one of the back benchers, who did not even have notes to show, let alone exchange, did not help my love cause very much. I decided to borrow Chait’s notes and complete mine so I can lend it to her, but I sat till 3 a.m that night and did not even progress beyond the first 2 weeks’ classes and already the pulleys and the inclined planes were getting to me. Physics, except when it comes to the speed of my baby was not for me, I decided.
I went to college with even more fervor and ran and caught places somewhere in the front where I can at least get a glimpse of my goddess. This felt strange and funny, I had never had a glimpse of the lecturers and the black board at such close quarters. I was almost regretting my decision when she entered and allayed all my fears. I could almost hear my heart beat. The lecturer entered and I had to put my romantic indulgences aside.
A grueling 40 minutes later, I was out and wanted the fresh air and if possible sneak into the men’s room and get a smoke. I was checking the notice boards more out of practice than with any interest. Even the crossword competition failed to draw my attention. I would have just jumped at it, ran and registered, being the avid crossword freak that I am, but now I just dismissed it. Still out of love for the old one, I went to the common room where I was sure to find Arya and give out my name. I was standing around waiting fiddling with the pen in hand when I heard a soft “Hi” behind me. It was so soft that I thought I had imagined it. I turned and, there she was, my beauty. My heart stopped, I could have passed out that very moment. She asked me if she could be my partner for the crossy competition. See! I was sure she was in love with me, that we were meant to be. The yes barely escaped my lips. “We” registered and went back lost in our own thoughts, in silence. I excused myself near the men’s room and ran in. I had to be on my own, bring my heart under control. It was just a competition partner but I was jumping like she had asked me to be hers. The puff helped and refreshed, I went back to the notice board. I confirmed the date. It was a week away. I started making my plans with her (in my imagination of course) to win the contest. I wanted it so badly, but more than that it was getting to know her that excited me. A week went by and our relationship had grown to the point of us greeting each other with a smile. So much for my imaginations and wild plans!
The D day came and the two of us, self, meekness personified, gathered at F-block, Wilde room, where the competition was going to be held. We stood paper and pen in hand and proceeded towards one of the benches. I had never wanted to sit on those benches like I did that very moment. We sat and started the usual small talk, before the crossy papers were distributed. Heads bent over, pencils in hand we were trying to crack those elusive clues. Even her hand brushing past mine, had no effect on me, no lascivious thoughts. I was indeed at my supreme best and we were cracking those clues effortlessly. She was good is an understatement. The concentration, those brows creased in thought; I was decidedly in love with her. An hour went by, too quickly I must say and then we filed out of the room hand in hand ( in my imagination). There we were walking almost a mile apart until she meekly asked me if I could accompany her to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. Yippie! She was just asking me out for coffee not to be her life partner, so relax I told myself. We entered the cafeteria and I felt all eyes looking at me. I felt like I was walking down the aisle in a church towards the pastor who would now declare us man and wife. Maybe I should save all this up for later and just continue walking and sit down. Not a word ensued, through all this and soon we were ordering coffee. The cafeteria seemed unusually loud and I felt stifled in here. We started talking, about home, the class and soon we were oblivious to the crowds, the people flitting in and out of the cafeteria! I had not realized that one was capable of so much passion, so much feelings till this very moment. The coffee got over a little too quickly and it was time to leave but we had already made plans to meet up soon enough. Am I dreaming?
I was there sitting on those stairs, behind the college cafeteria clad in a jeans and sweat shirt, waiting…..My angel had promised to meet me that evening. I could see the sun in the background and suddenly the world seemed to be aglow. There she came panting and puffing up the stairs and sat down. How am I going to keep a platonic conversation going I wondered? We just sat there, the sun slowly sinking in the background, milkshakes in hand, talking. We had amazing conversations about books, sitcoms and everything under the sun. We sat there way beyond sunset basking in the glory of our new found friendship and then reluctantly left the place.
I started looking forward to our famed rendezvous like never before. All day long I was able to go on with classes, football and lunches for just these 2 hours which I would get with her. The days seemed to fly past at an unimaginable speed. We shared so much in common and knew so much about each other and yet everyday was like a revelation. She renewed my lost interest in Bach, books, paintings, art and life seemed worth living for. I would get up every morning and be a fresh, renewed soul. I had never before felt so alive in my life as I felt those days. The sunsets had never held a meaning to me till I sat with her and watched the sun go down. I felt so much one with nature. The two hours seemed to fly past quickly and I walked her back home and made sure the angel was safe before heading towards my own house. There were times when she came and sat with me through my guitar classes and even that would give us so much happiness.
It was just one of those evenings, quiet and we were sitting with the sun in the background, milkshakes in hand talking when I thought why not! She might not be the most prefect soul mate that I can come across. She might not be the prefect partner that everyone imagines but maybe, maybe I might never find anyone as amazing as her, maybe we really were meant to be and hence we met, maybe she is really the one. Decision made! That very minute I asked her hand! No wine, no flowers, no red roses, no mushy cards, just me and her and nature and I asked her, looked deep into her eyes and asked her if what we shared could last a lifetime! I did it! My first proposal and I did it just like that! Here she was the beauty and I was asking her to be a part of me, my life sitting out here in those stairs. Am I dreaming? Can this really be happening to me? It seemed like a lifetime before I could see the lips break into a smile, a faint blush and I knew what the answer was even before she actually said it.
Nothing really had changed between us and yet everything seemed to have changed. The world seemed a happier place and I was just ecstatic every day every moment. Living actually suddenly became all of that rather than just an existence. I loved having her around, my girl friend, my babe, my wife all rolled into one. I already felt married and had even named our kids. We had made vows to travel from Venice to Vienna, to our own Nainital, write our respective travelogues, and “our” autobiography. This was so exciting. I wish it could just go on and on.
Well it did and before I could really get a grip of things four whole years had passed by. We were close to the end of our graduation and then each of us would be hitting the world with our presence. We would move on from being students to men and women and I was looking forward to it, despite knowing we might be in different parts of the country. Never mind that! I still would have her in my thoughts and before long we could unite in holy matrimony.
Finally Graduation day arrived. I decided to take Swats on my bike, one babe on another one last time before we part. Swats seemed all the more radiant and beautiful that day. I stood outside her house and was seeing her walking towards me, her lovely feet touching the ground. I could have been the ground beneath her feet that very minute. She came all beaming, clad in a jean and my favorite top. She sat in the front bar and we started off on the ride. I could not have asked for more. We were singing and the light rainfall seemed to enhance the already romantic settings. I cycled and cycled across all the roads that we have already gone a million times, and reached the run down railway track. Everything seemed just the same and normal until………..Until I noticed the train speeding towards us a little too late!
Ten years have gone by since that fateful day when I lost my world, my love my Swats. Old love wells up again as I sit on these stairs and hear her laughter in my head, see her eyes in my memories and all I have for company now are her memories and the cigarette butt and the booze bottle!

Y! The ultimate question

Finally here I enter the world of bloggers! I had kindaa kept away from it all these days partly 'cos I felt u need to have a lot of well written articles already in place which u can diligently type in, and for the most part sheer laziness. Then I realised that the urge to unleash random thoughts hidden in me, were increasing at an exponential rate till here finally is my blog, presented in style, in my own way to all those who care to read.
My reasons for blogging as against writing on a piece of paper or on the comp and stash it in some corner to retrieve sometime later are: (Am i sounding more and more like those dreaded history question and answers)
Version control & maintenance was becoming an issue (am I sounding like a config manager or what?);I was too much out of touch with putting pen(cil) on paper to write it in "My fav notebook"(This of course does not count those n number of attempts at Catting and recatting where speed, pencils and shading were keywords); Not having a comp of my own meant I was losing all those precious articles that I had penned every now and then.
Being a first timer, I did religiously hit the spell checker only to see that the blogspot.com spell checker acted too surprised when it encountered the word blog anywhere and 'flog'ged me with very many other suggestions, which I just chose to ignore with a capital I.
I seem to be attracting quite a bit of attention at work what with furious typing, obscure characters making their way into some corner of the net, write, comma.., some more commas, backspace and finally a full stop.